Functional Medicine Testing For Suspected Dementia
Functional Medicine goes way beyond the suggested NZ framework for assessing dementia patients. We understand that life-style has a huge impact on our brain, and our choices have direct impacts on many metabolic pathways. This is where I come in!
Below is a list of tests I would undergo if I had the suspicion that I am at risk of cognitive decline. I do not apply any surcharges on any of the tests. The prices quoted are exactly what I have to pay to organise the tests for you. The exception are p-Tau217 and GFAB, whose prices are determined by the exchange rate between USD and NZD.
Confirm The Diagnosis
🔬 p-Tau 217 (USA)
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🧠 Highly specific biomarker for Alzheimer’s disease pathology
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🔍 Helps differentiate Alzheimer’s from other dementias
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🕰️ Elevated early in disease progression, even before cognitive symptoms
🧪 GFAP (Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein) (USA)
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🔥 Marker of astrocyte activation and neuroinflammation
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🧬 Often elevated prior to tau and amyloid changes
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⚠️ Predicts neurodegeneration in preclinical Alzheimer’s stages
🧬 ApoE Genotyping (NZ)
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🧬 Identifies genetic risk for late-onset Alzheimer’s
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🧠 ApoE4 allele carriers have higher amyloid accumulation
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👪 Useful for personalized prevention strategies
Suggested baseline testing
💩 Comprehensive Gut Microbiome Testing
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🌱 Assesses dysbiosis and pathogenic overgrowth
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🧠 Gut-brain axis influences neuroinflammation and mood
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🧫 Identifies microbial metabolites affecting cognitive performance
🧪 Organic Acids Testing (OAT)
- 🎭 Reveals functional imbalances in dopamine, serotonin, GABA, and glutamate via urinary metabolites like HVA, 5-HIAA, and quinolinic acid
- 🧠 Links neurotransmitter metabolism to fatigue, anxiety, brain fog, and excitotoxicity, offering insight into root biochemical disruptions
- 🔄 Guides targeted interventions like B6, magnesium, probiotics, or amino acid therapy to restore neurological and emotional balance
🔥 CRP (GP)
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🌡️ Reveal chronic systemic inflammation linked to neurodegeneration
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🧠 Elevated levels are associated with increased dementia risk
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🔄 Guide anti-inflammatory interventions and root-cause treatment
🍬 Insulin & HOMA-IR (GP)
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🧠 Strongly linked to cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s
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📉 High insulin and HOMA-IR suggest insulin resistance (aka “Type 3 Diabetes”)
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🔄 Targetable with diet, exercise, and fasting protocols
🧪 Homocysteine (GP)
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💣 Elevated levels cause vascular damage and cognitive impairment
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🧠 Associated with brain shrinkage and hippocampal atrophy
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🔧 Often correctable with B vitamins and lifestyle interventions
🧠 Vitamin B12, Folate & Methylmalonic Acid (GP)
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⚙️ Essential for myelin production and neurotransmitter synthesis
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🧩 Deficiencies can mimic dementia symptoms
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📉 High MMA suggests cellular B12 deficiency even with normal serum B12
🦋 Thyroid Panel with Reverse T3
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🧠 Thyroid hormones are vital for cognitive clarity and energy
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🔍 Includes reverse T3 to assess thyroid conversion efficiency
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📉 Hypothyroidism may present as “brain fog” or memory issues
Advanced Testing As Required
☠️ Heavy Metals Panel (Mercury, Lead, Aluminum)
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🔬 Detects neurotoxic metal accumulation
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🧠 Metals interfere with synaptic function and mitochondrial health
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🧴 Supports chelation or detox protocols when needed
🍄 Mycotoxin Testing
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🏚️ Screens for toxic mold exposure that affects brain health
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🧠 Mycotoxins are linked to memory loss, fatigue, and mood issues
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🔄 Guides environmental cleanup and binders for detox support
🐟 Omega-3 Index
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🧠 DHA and EPA are critical for brain structure and repair
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🔬 Low omega-3 is linked to inflammation and faster cognitive decline
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🌊 Easy to optimize through diet or supplementation
A healthy person has a thousand dreams, but a sick person has only one
Time to take Action
